Cocoa #16 Chocolate Labrador Retriever Female 6 Years Old ID #3222

February 28, 2024

Cocoa is quirky!  Mentioned before that her Morning Ritual is to roll around on her back, growling.  Now there is video evidence to prove it.  (SOUND ON)

Even though we know she is 100% LAB, we see some Husky-like traits in that this gal she can be very vocal in expressing her opinions – hope to catch some video of her grumbling and mumbling. Cocoa has things to say!

Told you before, this Carrie Bradshaw has a thing for SHOES.  See photo evidence. And no, she doesn’t destroy anything, just carries them around and holds them.  She also likes to be a helper.  Here she is helping Foster Dad organize tax receipts.

Cocoa is a sharp cookie and so we have discovered she needs some things to do during the day, otherwise she gets bored and starts looking for mischief to do. She is not the least interested in fetch with a ball, it’s just not her thing. Thanks to Dee for sending her a snuffle mat and a puzzle ball.  We borrowed a puzzle wheel from Auntie Debby too. We spread those out during the day and it’s been helpful.

Her spay is scheduled for this Friday – wish her luck!

February 18, 2024

Cocoa has adjusted to her retirement beautifully.  She is 100% house-trained after the first day.  She sleeps well in her bed on the floor.  Goes to bed about 10-11pm.  Never in a particular hurry to get up or go outside in the morning.  Anywhere between 6-8am is just fine.  You would think first order of business in the morning would be to pee?  Not Cocoa.  Her favorite thing is to roll around on her back in the mulch, growling.  Weirdo. It does guarantee that she gets brushed every morning before she comes back inside!

Cocoa is not crate-trained but she has begun to explore her crate gingerly and hung out in there for brief periods.  Cocoa walks great on the leash and doesn’t pull at all.  She is much calmer toward other dogs encountered on the walk.  Cocoa doesn’t bark and carry on the way she did initially.  She will more likely yelp or whine a bit so we continue to avoid any direct contact with other dogs.  We just reassure her and walk on. Cocoa and her backyard frenemy the labradoodle puppy, continue to enjoy play fighting through the fence and running up and down chasing each other.  I am not saying it’s the healthiest relationship but it’s a relationship and they seem to enjoy each other!  Anyway, it’s good exercise for both of them and Cocoa, to her credit is very good about breaking away when called.  The doodle puppy is not such a good listener.

She has some toys that she enjoys nomming on and enjoys gnawing on a deer antler after dinner. A regular Carrie Bradshaw this one, Cocoa loves SHOES!  She has not chewed on or destroyed any but she will go upstairs, get one out of the closet and bring it downstairs to sit with it.  She did the same thing with a file folder full of papers and somehow, didn’t spill any of the papers???  Finally, she is such a helper, I printed something out on the upstairs color printer.  Found her at the top of the stairs with it in her mouth!  So that client will just have to make do with a B&W copy.

February 7, 2024

A week ago, we picked Cocoa #16 up from the kennel in picturesque Pennsylvania and boy was she happy to get out of there!  The neighbors were a noisy bunch and someone gave her a bath!  She was more than ready to hop into the open car door and relax with her head on a lap on the ride to South Jersey.

Former farm girl Cocoa is now enjoying her retirement in the suburbs where it is nice and quiet.  We had some mistakes on day one but she caught on quickly to the routine and potty outside once she had a chance to settle in.  It took a few days for her to relax and feel comfortable but she has adjusted beautifully.  These farm girls are SO SMART!  She already knows SIT and Leave It, Take it!  She walks pretty well on the leash.  She helps with the laundry too!

Cocoa is a dark chocolate color; Tootsie Roll comes to mind.  She is a bit petite, a tad smaller than our previous fosters.

Cocoa may need to be an only dog.  She is not a fan of other dogs.  Seems she may have had some unpleasant past experiences during her farm life.  Her first days with us she went a bit nuts on the mini-doodle that lives on the other side of the backyard fence.  Since then, however, the two dogs have established they are “frenemies” and enjoy running up and down the fence line together.  It’s great exercise!  They both get good and tired.  The mini-doodle is still a puppy and doesn’t have recall but in an amazing turn of events, Cocoa does!  She learned quickly to breakaway when called or even whistled to.  Smart Girl!  This is excellent progress.

We continue to avoid direct contact with other dogs when walking by crossing the street. It’s a work in progress.  We hope to improve her skills and build her comfort level in the days to come. Meanwhile, puppaccinos are much appreciated.

January 27, 2024

She loved exuberantly exploring the field in the snow (on leash) and is learning how to walk more easily (with less pulling), however, she’s still a work in progress.

Cocoa #16 loves chewing on antlers, is extremely food and treat motivated, and doesn’t stop wiggling her entire body when she’s interacting with people.

January 23, 2023

Cocoa learned she loves chewing on antlers! Since it’s been so cold, she’s been hanging out inside the kennel and a kind staffer gave her an antler to chew. Clearly it’s a hit!

January 18, 2023

Cocoa #16 is still waiting at the kennel for a foster to adopt or foster family to welcome her into a warm home. She has finished her heat cycle and will be able to be spayed in late March.

Cocoa has a million dollar personality: kennel staff gush about how Cocoa is affectionate and loving—she adores human interaction and has perfected the Lab “lean.”  Cocoa needs to be an only dog so she can soak up all the love adopters can give.

January 2, 2024

Cocoa arrived at the kennel on Christmas Eve and is doing okay.

She is very sweet and spunky, loves human affection, and going on walking sniffaris. She will case small animals like squirrels. She’s understandably a little confused and stressed about her latest digs and would love a foster home where she can be an only dog.